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The Scioto Mile Tour
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Opening in 2018 thanks to the vision of efforts of astronaut John Glenn, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum located along Columbus's Scioto River offers exhibits that preserve and share the experiences of veterans from the colonial period to the present. This stately 53,00 square foot rounded building is noted for its large windows that provide natural light and is home to exhibits drawn from artifacts from 1775 to today. Exhibits incorporate personal stories shared through artifacts like letters, photographs, uniforms and equipment. It also offers oral histories and presentations using video and other media. The museum includes a half-acre outdoor memorial grove that honors military members and has a view of the downtown Columbus skyline.

The museum was dedicated in 2018 and made possible by the leadership of John Glenn.

The museum was dedicated in 2018 and made possible by the leadership of John Glenn.

Flags of the US Military

Flags of the US Military

Truman quote on field cross

Truman quote on field cross

flag in upstairs part of museum

flag in upstairs part of museum

US Military Flags

US Military Flags

When one arrives at the entrance to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, one first notives the unique structure and its incorporation of the colors of the flag of the United States of America. The entrance plaza features flags representing the United States Army, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Air Force, the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard. Inside visitors are greeted with a big open space, high ceilings, and modern design. In the first main hallway next to the wrap around staircase, one finds individual portraits of veterans wearing uniforms from the different branches of service.

The exhibits begin along the left wall which curves its way through the museum and offers exhibits that share the history of the Armed Services in chronological order with a timeline. Interpretation begins with 1775, and each era has different photos and exhibits that incorporate important facts related to equipment, training, leadership, and various wars and conflicts. Letters home, medals, weapons, combat gear, and military technology can be seen throughout each part of the museum.

While a visitor follows the timeline on the left, they can see different exhibits on their right along with videos depicting actors and actual veterans from different eras and wars telling their story. The museum is unique in its focus on stories as told by veterans, and the interpretive side of the museum works to place these stories into a single narrative. Veterans are able to tour the museum at no cost, and staff is on hand for guided tours and questions from patrons who opt to take a self-guided tour of the museum.

Outside the museum one sees an outdoor Memorial Grove against the Columbus. The 2.5 acre park outside wraps around the entire perimeter of the museum. The center of the garden features a rock wall with a waterfall witch leads into a waterway. The Memorial Grove has whats known as a “field cross” which shows a pair of combat boots, a rifle and a helmet with the quote “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. American will never forget their sacrifices.” - President Harry S Truman

Accessed July 1st 2020. https://nationalvmm.org/about/

Additional information obtained from the MAP AND VISITOR GUIDE

Image Sources(Click to expand)

https://nationalvmm.org

Connor Kirby iPhone

Connor Kirby iPhone

Connor Kirby iPhone

Connor Kirby iPhone